Explore the records of sailors who fought for the Union with the United States Navy during the U.S. Civil War. Entries provide important information about an individual’s service, including their occupation, place of birth, and enlistment details.

What can these records tell me?

Each record identifies a sailor who served in the United States Navy during the U.S. Civil War. While the information for each person may vary, U.S. Civil War Sailors, 1861-1865 typically includes:

First and last name of sailor

Place of birth (city and state)

Year of birth

Complexion

Occupation

Height

Place of enlistment

Date of enlistment

Term of enlistment

Vessel

Rating

Discover more about U.S. Civil War Sailors, 1861-1865

The sailors of the United States Navy played a vital, if overlooked, role in the course of the Civil War. These records represent the contributions of thousands of veterans to the Union war effort.

The American Civil War was fought between 1861 and 1865, and began after a number of Southern states seceded from the country and formed the Confederate States of America. The ensuing conflict involved millions of Americans being recruited on both sides and became the bloodiest war in American history. The war was brought to a close in April of 1865 after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, close to the Union-Confederate border on the east coast of the United States.

Discover interesting and specific information about your ancestor’s wartime service. The details you learn will enrich your family history and help lead you to new areas for further research.